On Sunday afternoon, Glasgow’s big two will face off for the final time this season. With Celtic already confirmed as champions, there won’t be much riding on the match in terms of tangible gains. However, there is no such thing as a dead rubber when the green and blue clash. With major injuries announced in Celtic’s camp, how will they set up against Barry Ferguson’s men? We provide the answers on Last Word on Football, with our Celtic Predicted Lineup.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Rangers
How Celtic Have Lined Up Recently
In last week’s 5-0 victory over Dundee United, Viljami Sinsalo started in goal. Alistair Johnson, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor formed a defence.
Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels played in midfield, while Nicolas Kuhn, Adam Idah and Jota formed a front three.
Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics
Since a shock loss away to St Johnstone, the Champions’ form has been truly magnificent. In three games they have registered 15 goals, so will approach this derby sky-high in confidence.
They have such a ruthlessness and hunger despite how comfortable they has been all alone at the top. Against Kilmarnock at home, they were four up within 24 minutes. The following week against St Johnstone, it took until the 34th minute for McGregor to breakthrough; they led by four at the break. Most recently, away to Dundee United, the Bhoys scored five between minutes 30 and 58 to dismantle Jim Goodwin’s side.
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The derby games feel somewhat separate. Since a 3-0 hammering at the start of the season, Celtic have lost their following two league clashes. The 3-0 loss at Ibrox was one of the poorest performances in recent history, with an alarming lack of composure on the ball. Even in moments when Rangers sat in a low block, the Celtic backline was sloppy in possession, often gifting passes away.
The most recent game at Celtic Park was somewhat different. The Hoops weren’t careless in possession, and if anything it was the opposite: they were too safe. They were unable to play through the Rangers press and were left passing from side to side in their own defensive third. Admittedly, they were the better team over the 90, but a late slip from Johnson and a wonder strike from Hamza Igamane set the away fans berserk.
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With Johnson set to miss this match, the tactical set-up from Celtic will be fascinating. His overlapping runs have been a trademark characteristic of Celtic’s attack this season. With Ralston starting, he will likely play a more reserved role, placing more of a responsibility on the midfield to provide for the forward line.
Injuries to Consider
Shockingly, Jota is set to miss between six and nine months thanks to a cruciate ligament injury sustained in Celtic’s title party at Tannadice. Johnson will also miss the rest of the league campaign due to a hip injury. Dane Murray has been ruled out for the rest of the season, meanwhile Kasper Schmeichel remains an absentee. Kuhn suffered some bruising last week, but is likely to feature on Sunday.
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Celtic Predicted Lineup
Viljami Sinsalo
Anthony Ralston
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Liam Scales
Greg Taylor
Callum McGregor
Reo Hatate
Arne Engels
Nicolas Kuhn
Adam Idah
Daizen Maeda
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